Defaming Army
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has passed a bill allowing confiscation of properties belonging to overseas Pakistanis involved in defaming the armed forces.
Former Member of National Assembly Maiza Hamid confirmed the development, describing it as a significant step to protect national institutions.
The legislation targets individuals spreading propaganda against the Pakistan Army from foreign countries. It aims to deter activities that undermine state security and institutional integrity.
No official details on the bill’s exact provisions have been released by the government yet, but sources indicate it includes mechanisms for asset identification and legal proceedings.
**Official Statements**
Maiza Hamid, who previously served in the National Assembly, stated that the bill was approved to address growing concerns over coordinated campaigns against the military.
She emphasised that such measures are necessary to safeguard the institution that plays a central role in national defence.
Senior government officials have not issued detailed comments, but the move aligns with repeated warnings from military spokespersons about hybrid threats, including information warfare.
**Key Provisions and Scope**
The bill reportedly empowers authorities to seize movable and immovable assets located in Pakistan owned by Pakistani nationals or dual citizens residing abroad.
It focuses on cases where individuals are found involved in systematic defamation through media, social platforms, or organised campaigns.
Legal experts suggest the process will involve intelligence verification followed by court proceedings under relevant laws, including amendments to existing property and anti-terrorism statutes.
**Background Context**
Pakistan has faced increasing online campaigns against its armed forces, particularly since 2022-2023 political developments. Many such accounts operate from Europe, the UK, and North America.
The military has conducted multiple operations against terrorism, including successful actions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, reducing militant incidents by over 40 percent in recent years.
However, these achievements have been targeted by negative narratives, often linked to banned groups and their sympathisers abroad.
**Data and Figures**
Over 10 million Pakistanis live overseas, with remittances reaching $31.2 billion in FY 2024-25, contributing nearly 9 percent to GDP.
Property ownership by overseas Pakistanis in major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad has grown substantially, with investments estimated in billions of rupees.
In 2025, authorities recorded over 1,200 cases of online propaganda against state institutions, with a significant portion originating from foreign-based accounts.
Border management and internal security operations in 2025-26 resulted in the elimination of 378 terrorists, according to official military statistics, while Pakistan Army lost 112 personnel in related actions.
**Reactions and Impact**
The bill has received support from defence analysts who view it as a necessary response to hybrid warfare.
Overseas Pakistani communities have shown mixed reactions, with many law-abiding citizens expressing concern over potential misuse.
Government sources assured that the law will apply only to verified cases of deliberate defamation, not general criticism.
Diplomatic circles note that the legislation could strain relations with countries hosting large Pakistani diasporas if implementation raises dual nationality issues.
**Strategic Implications**
This development reflects Pakistan’s efforts to counter fifth-generation warfare tactics. Military institutions have invested heavily in information operations, with dedicated wings monitoring and responding to propaganda.
The bill may encourage greater accountability among diaspora members while raising questions about enforcement mechanisms and international legal cooperation.
Analysts suggest it could reduce the volume of coordinated campaigns but requires transparent implementation to avoid affecting genuine investors.
Future proceedings under the new law will likely focus on high-profile cases involving significant asset holdings.
Authorities are expected to issue detailed guidelines soon on complaint mechanisms and appeal processes.
The legislation adds to Pakistan’s legal framework addressing national security threats in the digital age, amid evolving regional security dynamics.